We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel George a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started my Belly Dance journey in 1994 with the simple idea of wearing a specific Halloween costume — a belly dancer — to show off my abs, which at the time were very toned… LOL! I figured if I went out in that costume, someone would probably ask me to show them some moves. The only problem was — I had no idea how to move! So I started looking for local instructors and checked out a VHS tape called ‘Magical Motion: Atea & Friends.’ From there, I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with the music. It’s always been about the music — all roads lead to the music. And that’s still true today!

I’m not sure I could have sped up my learning process — I was incredibly focused, determined, and 100% invested in learning from the best. Locally, that was Aziza. When travel became an option, I joined the best, longest running global SWANA school available: The Salimpour Legacy school, AKA – Suhaila.com. Maybe if online training had existed back then, things might have moved a bit faster. But at that time, I made it work — traveling from Portland, Oregon to the Bay Area about twice a year for my intensive training blocks. Those experiences shaped not only my technique but my deep respect for the art and its roots.

One of the most essential factors in developing my craft was learning from the best while actively performing in cultural nightclubs. This allowed me to apply my training in real time — bridging classroom technique with the energy and spontaneity of live performance.

One of the biggest obstacles in my continued learning was the decline of live band and dancer performance opportunities. Without that dynamic exchange, dancers were often limited to low-quality recorded music. In essence, the profound connection — the live music to emotional movement translation — that tradition was lost.

Rachel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Rachel George is a multi-award-winning performing artist and the Certification Coordinator of the Salimpour School. A Licensed Level 5 Salimpour Instructor based in San Diego, she holds prestigious titles including Bellydancer of the Universe, Entertainer of the Year, and Bellydance USA. Rachel has toured internationally, assisting Suhaila Salimpour first-hand in both performance and instruction, and has worked extensively with live Arabic musicians and in nightclubs—bringing authenticity, musicality, and deep cultural respect to her craft. She is known for her commanding stage presence, technical precision, and ongoing commitment to honoring and evolving the art of Middle Eastern dance. Learn more at RachelBellyDance.com.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of the most influential books I’ve read for artistic growth is ‘Talent Is Never Enough’ by John Maxwell. I discovered it during a period in my training when I was questioning my end goal. The book offered a perfect recalibration of artistic perspective — and reminded me that it’s not only okay, but essential, to pause and ‘fill the well’.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Now days with the current political climate in middle eastern countries, art is the most important. Art is political.

Transitioning from fulltime performer to a teaching and leadership role within my dance community has deepened my awareness of the importance of education, creativity, and dedication to uplifting the diverse voices and cultural legacies of Southwest Asia, North Africa (SWANA), and their diasporas through the arts. My goal is to foster cross-cultural dialogue and creative collaboration in world arts, empowering communities by supporting artists, curating inclusive programs, offering education and performances, and creating platforms that celebrate heritage, innovation, and our shared humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rachelbellydance.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbellydance.com_san_diego/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelReneBellyDance/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MsRachelgeorge/featured
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rachel-belly-dance-san-diego

Image Credits

David Casey
Carl Sermon